Industry insiders, professionals and even some publishers have been hinting at a new Xbox console (i.e., Xbox Trinity, Xbox 720, NextBox, etc.,), with Ubisoft thinking that the Wii U would have sped up the process of an announcement for a new console by either Microsoft or Sony. However, that couldn't be further from the truth.
Microsoft finally came clean about the talk of next-generation consoles, saying that there will be no new Xbox console revealed at E3 or anytime this year and that 2012 belongs solely to the Xbox 360.
The news comes courtesy of MCV who picked up tweets from Microsoft's head of corporate PR, David Dennis, as he expressed that there will be no new Xbox console shown at this year's E3 nor will there be any new console announced at any point this year, as he stated that "For us, 2012 is all about Xbox 360".
This follows Sony's admission from CES 2012 that they would not be announcing a new console this year, following rumors that Microsoft had plans to unveil something new in the home console department at this year's E3.
Microsoft had an official press statement to share in regards to all this next-gen talk, hoping to put it to rest for good this year by issuing the following statement to Kotaku...
While we appreciate all the interest in our long-range plans for the future, we can confirm that there will be no talk of new Xbox hardware at E3 or anytime soon.For us, 2012 is all about Xbox 360-and it's the best year ever for Xbox 360. The console is coming off its biggest year ever-a year in which Xbox outsold all other consoles worldwide. Xbox 360 didn't just outsell other consoles, it also outsold all other TV-connected devices like DVD players, as well as digital media receivers and home theatre systems.And in our seventh year, we sold more consoles than in any other year-defying convention.This year, we will build on that Xbox 360 momentum. With Halo 4, Forza Horizon, Fable: The Journey, and other great Kinect games on the way, our 2012 Xbox lineup is our strongest ever. This year, we will deliver more TV, music, and movie experiences for Xbox 360 - as we'll make it even easier to find and control your all entertainment.And this year, Xbox games, music, and video are coming to Windows 8 so people can enjoy their Xbox entertainment wherever they go.
So, exclusive wise core gamers have Halo 4, Forza Horizon and Fable: The Journey to look forward for the Xbox 360 and no new console? Hm, interesting.
Given that the Xbox 360 recently managed the new HBO Streaming Service and continues to expand beyond core gaming, it could further the trend of Microsoft moving the console closer to the casual entertainment market as opposed to staying entrenched in the hardcore gaming market.
